In the heart of Guadalajara’s bustling downtown, CASA GM has undergone a remarkable transformation. This building breathes the history of the early 20th century while embracing modern functionality. This project, a seamless blend of past and present, is a testament to architectural respect and innovation.
CASA GM in Guadalajara Technical Information
- Architects1-4: COA arquitectura + Rellam
- Location: Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
- Area: 322 m2
- Project Year: 2021 – 2023
- Original House Built: Circa 1910
- Photographs: © César Béjar Studio
Finally, we bet for the project to be a response to the existing moment both, programmatically as in space and language: and through the dialogue between the new and the pre-existence which becomes the manifest of the value of the intervention.
– COA architects
CASA GM in Guadalajara Photographs
Casa GM: Preserving the Essence of the Past
CASA GM’s journey began with its roots deeply embedded in the architectural tradition of Guadalajara. Initially built in the early 20th century, the structure is a quintessential example of the era’s residential design—flushed to the sidewalk, featuring a welcoming vestibule, a central courtyard, and service areas at the back. Its facade, identical to the neighboring house, forms a harmonious compound with a corner house that boasts a significant heritage value due to Luis Barragán’s intervention in 1927.
The restoration of CASA GM was approached with a deep reverence for its historical significance. The project team meticulously preserved the original walls, moldings, and wood beam ceilings. The original cement paste floors were replaced, yet the new materials were chosen to honor the past. Ironwork windows were installed, maintaining the proportions of the original wooden frames, and relics of past modifications were subtly incorporated into the design, preserving the building’s layered history.
Integrating Modern Functionality
The transformation of CASA GM was not just about preservation but also about adaptation to contemporary needs. The design introduced a multifunctional layout, featuring office spaces in the front enfilade, accommodations for temporary rent, a two-bedroom apartment at the rear, and an additional two-bedroom apartment with a terrace and pool on the former roof.
In the back courtyard, the facades were thoughtfully redesigned with modern ironworks that contrast yet complement the historical context. The division of a preexisting bedroom to accommodate a bathroom and a staircase leading to the upper apartment demonstrates the careful planning involved in maintaining the building’s integrity while enhancing its functionality.
A Bold Statement on the Roof
Perhaps the rooftop pool is the most striking feature of the renovated CASA GM. This innovative addition is supported by a four-metal column structure adjacent to the original adobe walls. The structure extends through the original wood beams of the first enfilade, holding the water box in a previously unutilized space. The pool, accessible via a staircase from the apartment terrace, is a bold yet respectful nod to the building’s historical architecture.
The upper apartment’s facade is marked by a polished cement fringe delineating the original structure from the new terracotta-colored ceramic block construction. This design choice not only provides a visual contrast but also serves as the terrace guardrail. The finishes maintain this theme, with white-painted ceramic blocks, polished cement floors, and pine wood for beams and woodwork.
A Dialogue Between Old and New
CASA GM’s restoration and transformation are a dialogue between the building’s rich past and its vibrant present. The project manifests the value of thoughtful architectural intervention, where the new additions and the pre-existing elements coexist in a harmonious design language.
CASA GM in Guadalajara Plans
CASA GM in Guadalajara Image Gallery
About COA arquitectura
COA arquitectura is an architectural firm based in Guadalajara, Mexico, known for its innovative and sustainable design approach. Led by Architect Francisco Gutiérrez Peregrina, the firm specializes in blending contemporary architectural practices with local traditions and materials. Their portfolio includes a range of projects from residential and commercial buildings to public spaces and urban planning, all characterized by a solid commitment to environmental sustainability, community engagement, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Notes & Additional Credits
- COA Team: Architect Francisco Gutiérrez Peregrina, Architect María Morales Vega, Architect Juan Pablo Pérez Cuétara, Eng. Carlos Pérez Martínez
- Rellam Team: Architect Andrea Gimeno Sánchez, Architect Xevi Lluch Díaz, Architect Lluís J. Liñán
- Construction: Fabrica Edificación
- Structural Engineering: TADE, Eng. Álvaro Vallejo
